The main research mission of SAMSON is to prove the possibility of a uniform and continuous cluster controlled flight of three nano-satellites for at least one year at about 700-kilometer altitude. A second mission is to develop and design space techniques that can geo-locate the position of terrestrial distress transmission of survivors, by analysis of the simultaneous signals that are received by the three nano-satellites. SAMSON project is directed by ASRI in cooperation with Israeli space industries (IAI-Mabat, Elta and Rafael). The design of each nano-satellite is based a 6U CubeSat structure with dimensions of 244x117x340[mm] in the stowed configuration and weight of about 8 kg. The structure is sub-divided into 6 units of one liter in volume (~100x100x100[mm] each. The various units house the different sub-systems of the nano-satellite. The design of units and their respective constituents are described and design consideration are given. The first unit contains Sun Sensor, GPS receiver and Antenna, Accurate Clock and three Reaction Wheels with their respective control electronics. Another unit houses the nano-satellite BUS developed by Mabat. The propulsion system developed by Rafael occupies the middle two units. One unit is includes the communication subsystems that include UHF, VHF and S-band with their support computer. The geo-location Payload receiver developed by Elta and the system batteries are located in the sixth unit. The mechanical design incorporates requirements and positioning of all antennas of the systems, the Propulsion system Fill Valve and the system solar panels.
